- A
Local preference
Why wrong: Local preference is the second tie-breaker, after weight.
- B
Weight
Weight is Cisco-specific and is checked first.
- C
AS path length
Why wrong: AS path length is checked later in the selection process.
- D
MED
Why wrong: MED is compared only after multiple other attributes.
Question 484 of 2,152
BGP Weight Attribute: The First Tie-Breaker in Path Selection
This 300-410 practice question tests your understanding of route summarization. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
Which BGP attribute is used as the first tie-breaker when selecting the best path for route summarization?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"first"Why it matters: Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
Quick Answer
The answer is the Weight attribute, which serves as the first tie-breaker in BGP path selection. This is because Weight is a Cisco-proprietary, locally significant parameter that overrides all other attributes, including Local Preference, making it the highest-priority criterion when a router evaluates multiple paths to the same prefix. On the Cisco CCNP ENARSI 300-410 exam, this concept tests your understanding of the BGP best path selection algorithm, specifically that Weight is checked before any other attribute—even before Local Preference—so a route with a higher locally configured Weight is always preferred, regardless of other metrics. A common trap is assuming Local Preference comes first, but Weight is evaluated at step one of the decision process. To remember this, think: “Weight wins first—it’s the local heavyweight champion that knocks out all other contenders before they even step into the ring.”
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Weight
The highest weight (locally configured) is the first tie-breaker in BGP path selection, before local preference.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Local preference
Why it's wrong here
Local preference is the second tie-breaker, after weight.
- ✓
Weight
Why this is correct
Weight is Cisco-specific and is checked first.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
AS path length
Why it's wrong here
AS path length is checked later in the selection process.
- ✗
MED
Why it's wrong here
MED is compared only after multiple other attributes.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
- Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
- Underline the problem statement mentally.
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the 300-410 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which 300-410 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
- →
Route Summarization — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
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Route Summarization practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 300-410 question test?
Route Summarization — This question tests Route Summarization — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Weight — The highest weight (locally configured) is the first tie-breaker in BGP path selection, before local preference.
What should I do if I get this 300-410 question wrong?
Identify which 300-410 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "first". Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
This 300-410 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Cisco certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 300-410 exam.
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